Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe – Quick and Delicious

Name: Cheesy Taco Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 lb ground chicken or turkey; 2 tsp taco seasoning; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Published: October 17, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cheesy taco pasta is super easy to whip up even on busy nights.
The combination of flavors creates a comforting warmth that everyone will love.
With vibrant colors and gooey cheese, it’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for lunch!

I once served this at a family gathering where my grandma declared it “better than her famous lasagna.” That was a compliment I still treasure!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Any shape works here, but I prefer rotini because those little spirals hold onto all that cheesy goodness.
Ground Chicken or Turkey: Lean ground meat provides great texture without being too heavy; feel free to swap with beef if you prefer.
Taco Seasoning: I recommend using homemade seasoning for authentic flavor; it’s simple and you can adjust the spice level!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess; use full-fat for richer flavor or low-fat for lighter fare.
Shredded Cheese: Mix cheddar and Monterey Jack for that melty masterpiece everyone craves.
Bell Peppers: Use colorful peppers for sweetness and crunch; they also brighten up the dish visually.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture and acidity; opt for fire-roasted for an extra kick!
Onion: Sweet onions provide aromatic depth; sauté them until they’re golden brown to unlock their full flavor potential.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates everything with its pungent aroma; don’t skimp on it!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while infusing flavor into your pasta.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your cooking adventure by heating up some oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onions and bell peppers into the skillet until they soften—about 5 minutes. The sweet scents will have you dreaming of summer barbecue parties.

Cook the Meat: Toss in your ground chicken or turkey along with garlic and cook until browned—around 7-10 minutes. You want it cooked through but don’t worry about perfection; we’ll cover it with cheese later!

Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in your taco seasoning mix and stir well to coat everything evenly as those fragrant spices mingle together.

Add Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth before stirring in cream cheese until melted smoothly into the mixture—this is where magic happens!

Toss in Pasta: Stir in cooked pasta until fully coated with that irresistible sauce. Allow it to simmer gently so all flavors unite harmoniously.

Add Cheddar Goodness: Finally, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover until melted—talk about drool-worthy! Once the cheese bubbles up like lava from a delicious volcano, you know you’re ready to dig in.

Serve your cheesy taco pasta hot from the skillet; don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy! The vibrant colors will catch everyone’s eye at dinner time.

Now grab that fork and dig into your creation—you’ve earned every gooey bite! Enjoy sharing stories over dinner as laughter fills your home while savoring this delightful meal that brings back fond memories each time you serve it.

And just like that, you’ve turned an ordinary night into something extraordinary! What will you pair with this masterpiece? A side salad? Or maybe just another helping?

You Must Know

add cream cheese for extra richness and a delightful texture.
don’t shy away from adding jalapeños or taco seasoning for a fiery kick.
cook until al dente to achieve the best texture.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. In the same pot, prepare your cheesy taco sauce while keeping an eye on everything to ensure perfect timing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken; they’ll still make this cheesy taco pasta delicious. You can also toss in black beans or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low in a pan, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always taste your sauce before serving; adjusting spices can elevate the dish significantly.
Keep an eye on your cheese melting; burnt cheese is not a good look.
Experiment with toppings like avocado or fresh cilantro for that pop of freshness!

I remember the first time I served cheesy taco pasta at a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds, and my aunt even asked for the recipe!

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta in this cheesy taco pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly and still tastes great with the sauce.

How spicy can I make my cheesy taco pasta?

Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños or spices based on preference.

What can I serve with cheesy taco pasta?

Consider serving with a side salad or tortilla chips for extra crunch and flavor!

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